Francek finished forums for Honors director
The room was silent as Mark Francek patiently awaited the start of the final candidate forum for Honors Program director.
Francek, professor of geography at Central Michigan University, was the last of three candidates to participate in a student-facilitated forum Friday.
Although the student turnout was minimal, several important topics were discussed among participants.
“I plan on being a hands-on director where my students are my prime concern,” Francek said.
One major concern for students at the forum was diversity within the honors program.
“That is the most important part of the program that concerns me—social inequality,” said Alex Green, a Newaygo senior.
Not only is there gender and ethnic homogenization, he said, but social class is also involved.
“I would like to empower and expand diversity within the college,” Francek said.
Francek said he would like to expand diversity in the program while working closely with admissions and scholarship offices.
“I was encouraged by his understanding and dedication to increase the diversity of the program across a variety of different categories,” Jason Blind, an Alger senior said.
“As evidence by the small attendance at this event, one challenge for the future director will be to find ways to elicit student interaction and ideas,” Blind said.
Getting the students to unite, get involved and turn to each other for guidance is of strong importance to Francek.
“I was a little chagrined to hear that a lot of the action that occurs here in Larzelere, or among honors students, is from Residence Life as opposed to honors,” Francek said.
Peer mentors and social programs, possibly mandatory, could help honors students feel comfortable and also build cohesion within the honors program, Francek said.
Students enjoyed Francek’s eagerness to increase the sense of community within the program.
“I have had the opportunity to attend the sessions with the other two candidates. We are lucky to have such dedicated and qualified candidates, but this also makes it quite difficult to make a decision concerning the best fit for the future of the program,” Blind said.
